Israel hits Gaza after rockets disrupt Netanyahu rally

Israel hits Gaza after rockets disrupt Netanyahu rally

A security source in Gaza confirmed a number of Hamas bases had been struck, without causing any casualties.PHOTO: REUTERS

JERUSALEM: Israel bombed Hamas positions in Gaza overnight in retaliation for rocket fire across the border, which cut short an election rally by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the military said Wednesday.

Netanyahu was hustled off stage when sirens warning of incoming rockets blared in the southern city of Ashdod late Tuesday, public television reported.

It came just hours after the premier pledged to annex the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank if re-elected in September 17 polls.

Israeli fighter jets “struck 15 terror targets in northern and central Gaza Strip,” including a weapons factory, an attack tunnel and naval targets, the army said.